The Cost of a Trip: Cornelius, NC to Chapel Hill, NC
Introduction
Planning a trip from Cornelius, NC to Chapel Hill, NC involves a careful consideration of the costs associated with transportation. One of the most significant expenses in a road trip is the cost of gas. With fluctuating gas prices, it's crucial to choose the most cost-effective route to ensure you stay within your travel budget.
Different Possible Routes
There are several possible routes to consider when traveling from Cornelius to Chapel Hill. Each route has its own distance and associated costs in terms of fuel consumption.
Route 1: I-85 S
Taking Interstate 85 South from Cornelius to Chapel Hill is a popular and efficient route. The distance is approximately 127 miles, and you can expect to consume around 4.5 gallons of gas each way, given an average fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon. With the current average gas price in North Carolina at $2.75 per gallon, the round trip cost for gas alone would be approximately $24.75.
Route 2: I-77 S to I-40 W
Another route option is to take Interstate 77 South to Interstate 40 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 138 miles. With the same average fuel economy as Route 1, you can expect to consume around 4.9 gallons of gas each way, totaling approximately $26.82 for the round trip at the current gas prices.
Route 3: US-21 S to US-64 W
For a more scenic route, you can take US-21 South to US-64 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 150 miles. With the same average fuel economy as the previous routes, you can expect to consume around 5.3 gallons of gas each way, totaling approximately $29.08 for the round trip at the current gas prices.
Recommended Route
After considering the distance and cost of each route, the most cost-effective option is Route 1: I-85 S. Not only does it offer the shortest distance, but it also provides a straightforward and efficient drive, minimizing fuel consumption and cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recommended route from Cornelius, NC to Chapel Hill, NC is via I-85 S. With an approximate distance of 127 miles, and considering the current gas prices in North Carolina, the round trip cost for gas would be around $24.75. This route is not only the most cost-effective in terms of fuel consumption but also offers an efficient and direct drive. Safe travels!